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For wheelchair, self-propulsion tests subjects use their own wheelchair and wheelchair mass is adjusted for in the power calculation (Bloemen et al., 2017).

Testing of anaerobic power is the goal. Because anaerobic glycolysis is the primary energy source in physical activity for the first 30 seconds, the total number of repetitions should be modified, depending on the function and mode of propulsion of the subjects, to achieve ~30 seconds total sprint time, excluding rests (Bloemen et al., 2017).

2 power variables are calculated:
1) Peak Power (PP), measured as the highest of 6 runs
2) Mean Power (MP), measured as the average over 6 runs (Verschuren et al., 2007).

PP was defined as the highest calculated power output. MP is considered the most important parameter during anaerobic performance and was defined as the average power output over all of the runs (Verschuren et al., 2007).

Time to Administer

Required Training

Instrument Reviewers

Erin Ulrich MS, LAT, ATC

ICF Domain

Activity

Considerations

The gold standard measure of anaerobic muscle power, WAnT, is not clinically feasible due to expensive lab-based equipment.

The MSPT is shown to be highly feasible via questions regarding feasibility for ambulatory children with CP and their assessors. Questions were related to ease and motivation (Verschuren et al., 2007).

Total time of all trials should fall around 30 seconds to measure anaerobic system. Thus, the normal 6 repetitions should be reduced for youth with cerebral palsy or spina bifida who’s impaired function result in a longer than normal total sprint time.

Recommendations are to use 3 sprints with wheelchair using spastic CP (GMFC III-IV) population (Verschuren, Zwinkles, 2013) and 4 sprints with wheelchair using spina bifida population (Bloemen et al., 2017).

The MPST is dependent on each child’s motivation. The child should be encouraged to give maximal effort, however, methods of encouragement are not standardized.

All studies for various populations are focused on youth (aged 6-19 years). Caution should be used in generalizing these data for populations falling outside of these age ranges.

Content Validity

The WAnT is a timed test (30s). The MPST is performed for a distance with the intent of averaging 30s total sprint time. Depending on function of the child (i.e., a slower runner or wheelchair user), the prescribed 6 repetitions may take longer than 30s, resulting in increased recruitment of aerobic energy sources. In this study, the number of repetitions was reduced to 3 to achieve the goal - maximal effort for 30s.

Content Validity

Spina Bifida (wheelchair users) aged 5-18 years: (Bloemen, 2016)

Anaerobic system utility occurs in high intensity maximal effort exercise through 30s. Exercise time for 6 sprints in this population was 42.5±10.3 seconds. The cutoff point for 30 s was 4 sprints. Thus, 4 sprints were used for calculations.